A big thank-you to all who attended the September 30th event in Bobcaygeon sponsored by TRCBobcaygeon and the Mishkodeh Centre for Indigenous Knowledge recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
It was wonderful to see all of the orange shirts in the crowd which included Mayor Doug Elmslie and Councillor Pat Warren in attendance. We have been gathering to recognize this solemn day since the inception of the National Day for Truth and Recognition. It is terrific to see familiar faces and know that people are actively engaged in seeking reconciliation. People from the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, Kawartha Works Community Co-operative, the Horticultural Society of Fenelon Falls and some eager cubs and scouts were there. I am certain that I have missed many groups being represented but young and old alike were present and attentive.
Many thanks to Anne Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation for her impactful message of the lasting effects on the families of residential school survivors. And also to Brittany Taylor also of Curve Lake for her smudging and words to inspire us. Lastly but not least, was the beautiful drumming and singing of the Unity Drum Group. Chi Miigwech for sharing this day with us in Bobcaygeon.
* Photography courtesy of John MacLennan
People were invited to choose a painted stone from our “215+ Children Taken” art installation which had been on display at the Boyd Museum over the summer. Each stone represents one child that was found in unmarked graves at a residential school in Kamloops. We carried the stones as a group across to the Beach Park. What a picture it made, seeing all these orange clad people walking through town over to the new Gdinuhwendimin Garden at the beach park, cradling the orange stones.
There was over $800.00 collected in donations on September 30th and all of these donations will be forwarded to the School at Curve Lake First Nation for their lunch program.
After an honour song from the Unity Drummers, we were sent on our way home with a travelling song.
If anyone did not get a chance to donate who would like to, we will be accepting donations up to October 15th for this worthy program. Donations can be made via email money transfer to trcbobcaygeon@gmail.com Please specify in the notes if you would like your donation to go to the school lunch program, or to Truth and Reconciliation Community Bobcaygeon itself. At this time we are unable to provide tax receipts as we are not a registered charity.
Again, chi miigwech for showing your support.
